Scholarship Program for Africans : Unlock Global Educational Opportunities with the AKDN International Scholarship Program

Cultivating leadership, nurturing potential and laying the foundation for intellectual growth, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has served as an emblem of sustainable progress for decades. Central to their work is the focus on Developing Human Capacity, manifested most evidently in their International Scholarship Program (ISP). This scholarship aims to support exceptional students from developing countries, who otherwise lack the means to finance their postgraduate studies.

Scholarship Program  for Africans: Spotlight on the ISP

Initiated by His Highness the Aga Khan, the ISP is designed to encourage gifted and unparalleled students from countries with financial constraints to pursue a full-time postgraduate study course at a higher education institution of their choice. This program has the potential to not only transform individual lives, but also to contribute significantly to the development of participating countries.

Four Cornerstones of Selection:

1. Academic Excellence: Prospective scholars are expected to have robust academic records that reflect their prowess and command over their chosen field.

2. Financial Need: The ISP functions as a last resort for promising talent who lack any other financial means to support their education. Applicants are also asked to seek multiple sources of funding to ensure the scholarship is one of the last resources utilized.

3. Admission to a Degree Program: Priority is given to students enrolled in Master's degree courses. However, Ph.D. courses, distant learning, and local/regional university programs also qualify if course quality is high.

4. Strong Professional Profile: The program prefers candidates that exhibit laudable professional experience, outstanding extracurricular achievements, volunteer contributions and leadership skills.

Application Procedures

Students from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Egypt, France, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the USA are eligible to apply.

Each application is unique. Therefore, students must contact local AKDN entities for specifics on application requirements, deadlines, and forms. The scholarship committee interviews applicants regarding their financial situation, academic performance, extra-curricular achievements, and career plans.

Take Note of the Timelines

Application for the 2024-2025 cycle begins in January 2024. Decisions are made by an international selection panel and applicants are informed of the outcome around July.

Award Conditions

The ISP awards function as half grant and half loan, i.e., 50 percent of the awarded amount must be repaid by the applicant. A cumulative service charge of five percent per annum is levied on the loan amount, with repayments beginning six months after the completion, termination of studies, or withdrawal.

Final Takeaways

AKDN's International Scholarships provide an invaluable opportunity, acting as a beacon guiding talented students towards their ambitious goals. Here are the takeaways:

• The International Scholarship Program aims to fund talented students from developing countries who lack other means of financing their studies.
• A strong academic performance, financial need, existing admission in a reputable institution, and proven professional experience are the primary selection criteria.
• The application process involves a competitive selection stage followed by local scholarship committee interviews.
• The scholarship operates as a half grant and half loan system, requiring recipients to repay 50 percent of the awarded amount.
• Those wishing to apply for the 2024-2025 cycle should start their preparations with local AKDN entities in January 2024.